Vol. 236 No. 14
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will initiate steps to arrange for citizens of the Republic to be allowed to vote in referenda, presidential elections, local elections, by-elections and general elections on reaching the age of 18 years.
17.
asked the Minister for Local Government whether the Government intend to initiate proposals for the introduction of the vote at 18 years of age.
I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 16 and 17 together.
Reduction of the minimum voting age to 18 years for Dáil and Presidential elections and referenda would require an amendment of the Constitution.
The Minister is aware of the situation whereby citizens in Northern Ireland will shortly have the right to vote at 18 years of age and does he not consider we should keep step?
Due to circumstances outside our control our Constitution does not extend to that part of the country.
Surely, the Minister attempted recently to bring another section under control and this amendment would be more popular than the recent amendments.
If the Deputy wants another referendum we will introduce a proposal to that effect.
